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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Spring Garden

We woke up to an inch of snow on the ground on Monday, but the c-c-c-cold weather is not going to stop me from moving forward with outdoor Spring projects.

Take that, snow!

We had a large garden when I was growing up, and while I hated weeding, I have fond memories of eating strawberry shortcake for dinner on the deck outside. My mom was trying to get rid of a huge surplus of strawberries. We didn't mind!

Is there anything like a ripe strawberry or tomato from your own garden? Nope!

I have been wanting to plant some yummy fruits and veggies in our small city yard for YEARS. But I haven't ever quite had the energy and confidence to get it started. I finally decided what the heck, let's give it a try.

Of course you can start with plants. Plant them in a garden with rich, balanced soil, good light, and water regularly. There you go. But it's cheaper to start with seeds. And I am cheap.

In our area, we typically have frost advisories well into May, so you don't want to plant outside too early (unless you take special precautions). With such a short growing season, it can make growing a garden tricky. But you can still start with seeds--give plants a head start by starting seeds inside.

So that's what I decided to do. I gathered a bunch of seeds, some dirt and containers (leftover egg cartons), and the kids. Then we put it all together.

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Follow the directions on the seed packet for how deep to plant, how many per hole, and when to start them ahead of time (our packages recommended starting 4-8 weeks before the last threat of frost).

Here is the finished product.

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And here is our sad, neglected, tiny side yard, which I hope to turn into a garden.

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As you can see the left half gets full sun, the right half shade. What I'd love to do is turn the left half into a garden, the right half a walkway. It'd be cool if I could screen the air conditioner too, somehow.

And of course replace that hideous old fence.

The work never ends, does it?

I'll be linking to some fun blog linking parties. Check 'em out!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Little Trip

Friday was a very special day at the Room By Room house. Three years ago today, something amazing happened.

This...

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Zack's adoption was very difficult. We were matched when he was 3 1/2 months old, and then things (legal things) went haywire. He finally came home at 20 months old. And we were so, SO happy.

To celebrate Zack's third adoption day anniversary (we call it his Family Day) we did a little bit of this...

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Can you get over that little pink flowered booty? AH!

We went to a water park for the day, then we went to my mom's cottage for a little weekend getaway. Would you believe me if I told you it SNOWED? Last weekend for Delaney's birthday party it was 80º and exactly one week later it snowed.

Argh. I'm sooooo over winter.

To cheer me up, here's some pictures of my two favorite sons in the whole wide world, soon after they both arrived three years ago.

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Happy third family day Zack. You mean the world to me.
Mom

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Half Bath - The Final Tally

In a couple weeks the half bath in our home got a glamorous makeover for just a little dough.

Check out yesterday's post for before and after shots.

So, wanna find out how much I spent? Me too.

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The biggest impact was obviously wall color. Can you believe that came in at $10?!

The white for the trim and cream was a free promotion at Menards (on sale for $11 with an $11 rebate). Well, I think the semigloss white was $2. Anyway I bought it for the kitchen, so I'm not counting it.

The dark color is Brown Velvet by Valspar (Lowes). I only needed a quart for this small room, which came to $10.

I replaced the knob on the medicine cabinet. A pretty cut glass little number for $6. Lowes.

I just about passed out when I saw the hand towel. I could not have found something with a more perfect design and color palette if I had created it myself! $10 each for the hand towels. I bought 2. World Market.

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I also bought a chandelier and new wall art. This is what they looked like before.

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And after a little spray paint magic....

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Did you notice I painted the ceiling blue? Loving it. It's subtle, but really pretty.

I used leftover spray paint for my chandelier and artwork. Just a couple swipes and it looks totally different!

Chandelier was $12 from Habitat Restore and wall art was $40 from Big Lots.

Last but not least, a new window shade.

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This match stick blind was on clearance for $5! From Lowes. It is meant for a french door. The shade was the right width, but was 72 inches long. Waaaay too long. Luckily I was able to shorten it and it looks great!

The total spent? $93. Under $100 for a totally new look. I'll take that!

Don't forget! I'd love it if you hopped over to Fireflies and Jellybeans to vote for my Iron Crafter logo!

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I was in the lead, but I've dropped to #2! My logo is option #3. It will take 3 seconds. Thanks a bunch!

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Half Bath - The Reveal!

I have good news! We had $700 on our credit card leftover from our airline tickets on January 1st. Those tickets were actually priceless. They brought us to South Korea and to our daughter! Well we just got our federal tax refund. It was for...

**drumroll please**

$695! ha! So instead of owing money, we are back to having no money. Hooray!

I'm kidding. Kind of. Seriously though, we are thrilled to be debt free (except our home mortgage) again! It means we're doing something right. I owe it all to a lot of sacrifice and tips from Dave Ramsey.

Being debt free means I had the green light to buy a couple little touches to the half bath, which means it is DONE! And I am sooooooo digging it. I can't wait for you to see it!

It is located right off the kitchen.

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Check out the whole house layout here.

And this is what the bathroom used to look like.

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This is what our half bath looks like now!

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Come back tomorrow to find out sources and how much I spent!

In the meantime, I'd love it if you hopped over to Fireflies and Jellybeans to vote for my Iron Crafter logo!

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I'm in the lead, but it's getting close! My logo is option #3. It will take 3 seconds. Thanks a bunch!

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Linking up to some of these great parties.

Monday, April 11, 2011

A first birthday party in pictures, plus a favor.

I am still amazed. We had THE MOST PERFECT WEATHER for Delaney's first birthday party yesterday. It's been freezing here all spring. We've even had a little snow. Yesterday? Oh, yesterday is was 80º F. 80º!!!! It was beautiful.

And so is Delaney. Here are some pictures from her special day yesterday.

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Those flower banners are from Dollar Tree. How cute are they?

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For the first time ever in my mom's family, four generations of women. So cool!

And now a favor. Have you heard of the the fun craft blog Fireflies and Jellybeans?

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They have a fun craft contest called "The Iron Crafter". I think it is hysterical! As you might have guessed, it's patterned after The Iron Chef. They even pick a secret ingredient! Then bloggers from all over make crafts with the secret ingredient to compete for title of Iron Crafter. It's a hoot!

Well the peeps over at Fireflies and Jellybeans had a logo/button contest for the next Iron Crafter contest. And guess who landed in Top 3?

Yep, yours truly.

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I'd love it if you went on over and voted for my button. Just for fun. Thanks a bunch!
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